Journal articles: 'Skink'

1

GEMEL, RICHARD, and VLADISLAV VERGILOV. "Nomenclatural-taxonomic notes on the genus Ablepharus Fitzinger, 1824 (Squamata: Scincidae)." Zootaxa 4858, no. 3 (October 1, 2020): 448–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4858.3.11.

Full text

Abstract:

The two following notes concern two species of small skinks, genus Ablepharus: Lindberg’s Twin-striped Skink (Ablepharus lindbergi) and the Snake-eyed Skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii). Both species are small fossorial/semi-fossorial skinks with fused eyelids and a hidden lifestyle. A. kitaibelii is distributed disjunctly in several subspecies in Central and Southeastern Europe as well as in Western Turkey, A. lindbergi is distributed in Western Afghanistan (Uetz et al. 2020).

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Humphrey, Jacinta E., Kylie A. Robert, and Steve W. J. Leonard. "Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelines." Wildlife Research 44, no. 7 (2017): 514. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr17012.

Full text

Abstract:

Context Cryptic (i.e. secretive, elusive or well camouflaged) species are often very challenging to accurately survey. Because many cryptic species are threatened, the development of robust and efficient survey methods to detect them is critically important for conservation management. The swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi) is an example of an elusive and threatened species; it inhabits densely vegetated, wet environments throughout south-east Australia. The swamp skink occurs in peri-urban areas and faces many human-induced threats including habitat loss, introduced predators and environmental pollution. Effective and reliable survey methods are therefore essential for its conservation. Aims This study aimed to review the current swamp skink survey guidelines to compare the detection success of Elliott traps with two alternative methods: passive infrared cameras (camera traps) and artificial refuges. Methods Detection probabilities for the swamp skink were compared using Elliott traps, artificial refuges and camera traps at two known populations on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Key results Artificial refuges and camera traps were significantly more successful than Elliott traps at detecting swamp skinks. Conclusions Elliott traps are currently regarded as the standard technique for surveying swamp skinks; however, these traps were the least successful of the three methods trialled. Therefore, the use of Elliott traps in future swamp skink presence–absence surveys is not recommended. Implications Many previous surveys utilising Elliott traps have failed to detect swamp skinks in habitats where they are likely to occur. Our findings suggest that at least some of these past surveys may have reported false absences of swamp skinks, potentially resulting in poor planning decisions. A reduction in the reliance on Elliott trapping is likely to increase future swamp skink detection success, broaden our understanding of this cryptic species and aid conservation efforts. Our results emphasise that it is essential to regularly review recommended survey methods to ensure they are accurate and effective for target species.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Craig, Michael D., Angela M. Benkovic, Andrew H. Grigg, Giles E. St J. Hardy, Patricia A. Fleming, and Richard J. Hobbs. "How many mature microhabitats does a slow-recolonising reptile require? Implications for restoration of bauxite minesites in south-western Australia." Australian Journal of Zoology 59, no. 1 (2011): 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo10046.

Full text

Abstract:

If we are to accelerate the recolonisation of restored areas by slow-recolonising species, we must provide suitable microhabitats at appropriate densities. Previous research in south-western Australia has shown that Napoleon’s skink (Egernia napoleonis) rarely recolonises restored areas. We trapped Napoleon’s skink in restoration and unmined forest to confirm the species was late successional. We also radio-tracked six skinks in unmined forest, to determine types and characteristics of used microhabitats, and estimated home ranges to determine required microhabitat densities, with the aim of accelerating skink recolonisation of restored areas. All tracked skinks used logs and hollow-bearing trees. Used logs were larger, and used trees were larger and taller than random samples, probably because large logs and trees were more likely to contain cracks and hollows that provide a refuge from predators. Extrapolations from home-range estimates indicated that a minimum of four logs ha–1 are required in restored areas to facilitate recolonisation by skinks, with skink densities likely to increase with log densities. Our study demonstrated that not all fauna will naturally recolonise restored areas and management of these areas is required to provide suitable habitat for late-successional species. Our approach could potentially be applied to other ecosystems or species.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Jones, C., G. Norbury, and T. Bell. "Impacts of introduced European hedgehogs on endemic skinks and weta in tussock grassland." Wildlife Research 40, no. 1 (2013): 36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr12164.

Full text

Abstract:

Context Control of introduced pest species is based on the premise that there is a relationship between pest abundance and impact, but this relationship is rarely defined. Aim We investigated the impacts of introduced European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) on two species of small endemic skink (Oligosoma spp.) and flightless, nocturnal endemic orthopteran ground weta (Hemiandrus spp.), using an enclosure-based experimental manipulation of hedgehog density in tussock grasslands in the South Island of New Zealand. Methods We used capture–mark–recapture methods to estimate the densities of skinks before and after exposure to a range of hedgehog densities over a 3-month period and also compared changes in indices of abundance of skink demographic groups and ground weta. Key results Faecal analysis confirmed that hedgehogs consumed skinks and invertebrates in the enclosures. The proportional change between capture sessions in numbers of captured juvenile McCann’s skinks (O. maccanni) declined with increasing hedgehog density. Similarly, the proportional change in the numbers of ground weta encountered in pitfall traps showed a highly significant negative relationship with increasing hedgehog density. Total species abundances and numbers in other demographic skink groups did not change significantly in relation to hedgehog density. For overall skink abundance estimates, there was an apparent trend suggesting that changes in abundance were more negative with increasing hedgehog density, but this did not reach statistical significance for either skink species. Conclusions Our results confirmed that hedgehogs are important predators of small native fauna, but suggested that highly abundant prey populations may be buffered against significant impacts. Implications Less abundant prey and some demographic groups within populations, however, may be at significant risk from hedgehog predation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

R. Towns, David. "Changes in habitat use by lizards on a New Zealand island following removal of the introduced Pacific Rat Rattus exulans." Pacific Conservation Biology 2, no. 3 (1995): 286. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc960286.

Full text

Abstract:

On Korapuki Island (Mercury Islands group, northeastern New Zealand) lizard capture frequencies increased following the removal of Pacific Rats Rattus exulans in 1986 and rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus in 1987. This increase was dominated by diurnal Shore Skinks Oligosoma smithi. Increases in Shore Skink captures were proportionally greatest where beach particle sizes exceeded 25 cm dia (50-fold in five years). In sites where particles were large the Shore Skink population became dominated by adults. These changes in Shore Skink distribution and size were found in areas unlikely to have been either directly or indirectly affected by rabbits. The changes are therefore attributable to removal of Pacific Rats which apparently had greatest effect on lizards where interstices between rocks allowed the rats access. The selective natural recovery of Shore Skink populations on Korapuki Island indicates that the effects of Pacific Rats on island lizard faunas depends not only on the presence of refuge areas, such as rocky beaches, but also on the particle sizes within them.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Rubbo, Michael J., Victor R. Townsend, Jr., Scott D. Smyers, and Robert G. Jaeger. "The potential for invertebratevertebrate intraguild predation: the predatory relationship between wolf spiders (Gladicosa pulchra) and ground skinks (Scincella lateralis)." Canadian Journal of Zoology 79, no. 8 (August 1, 2001): 1465–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z01-098.

Full text

Abstract:

Intraguild predation is described as predation among organisms that exploit similar resources. As wolf spiders (Araneae, Lycosidae) are generalist predators that share habitat and food resources with the ground skink Scincella lateralis, we conducted a series of laboratory experiments to determine if wolf spiders are capable of preying upon ground skinks. Wolf spiders (Gladicosa pulchra) successfully preyed on skinks during 3 of 20 encounters, but did not overtly respond to chemical stimuli from the skinks. Skinks employed antipredatory behaviors (i.e., immobility) when exposed to visual and chemical stimuli from spiders, providing evidence that they recognize spiders as predators prior to an encounter. In an additional experiment, the hypothesis that increased skink movement would lead to an increase in spider attacks was tested. Skinks exhibited high levels of movement in this experiment, with spider predation occurring during 4 of 10 encounters. The presence of structural refugia played a significant role in this predatorprey interaction by increasing the amount of time required for a spider to prey upon a skink. Our results indicate that G. pulchra can prey upon S. lateralis, and that skinks may recognize cues deposited on the substrate by spiders. These data indicate that these two species may interact in an ecologically meaningful manner.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

McMaster, Ardythe. "Northern Prairie Skink." Blue Jay 69, no. 4 (December 25, 2011): 184. http://dx.doi.org/10.29173/bluejay332.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Pike, David A., Kelley S. Peterman, and Jay H. Exum. "Habitat structure influences the presence of sand skinks (Plestiodon reynoldsi) in altered habitats." Wildlife Research 35, no. 2 (2008): 120. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr07119.

Full text

Abstract:

We studied a fossorial endemic lizard (the sand skink, Plestiodon reynoldsi) to determine habitat structural and vegetation associations in altered habitats at micro-, local, and macroscales. Lizards were present in each of the structural categories and vegetation types we studied, although active orange groves negatively influenced distribution and relative density (determined as the proportion of coverboards within a sampling plot containing signs of sand skink presence). Conversely, relative densities were highest in forested habitats, which contain structural features similar to natural habitats. Sand skinks readily used the two soil types at our site, although the greatest densities were in sampling plots containing both types. We conclude that conditions are suitable for sand skink habitation within a variety of habitats with different structures, including those altered by humans. However, in all cases the underlying soil was also loose and dry, making fossorial locomotion possible for this species. Three lines of evidence suggest that populations in altered habitats were resident, rather than transient: (1) sand skinks are still present in altered habitats more than 35 skink generations after alteration occurred; (2) there was no relationship between sand skink density and distance to natural habitat; and (3) a very small portion of our site (<2%) consisted of natural habitat, which is most likely too small to be a long-term source population to nearby altered habitats. Our results indicate that although P. reynoldsi is often considered habitat-specific, this notion may be due to focusing sampling efforts on natural rather than disturbed habitats. Therefore, relying on preconceived notions of habitat associations may not be sufficient to understand the ecological relationships and local-scale distribution of this threatened species. Using such misinformation may lead to the design and implementation of inadequate conservation plans that ignore altered habitats in which focal species occur.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Gorissen, Sarsha, Ian R. C. Baird, Matthew Greenlees, Ahamad N. Sherieff, and Richard Shine. "Predicting the occurrence of an endangered reptile based on habitat attributes." Pacific Conservation Biology 24, no. 1 (2018): 12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc17027.

Full text

Abstract:

The endangered Blue Mountains water skink (Eulamprus leuraensis), a habitat specialist known from approximately 60 threatened highland peat swamps, is the sole endemic vertebrate of the Blue Mountains region, Australia. We quantified the species’ habitat associations by surveying 10 such swamps annually for three years. We scored habitat features and trapped skinks, comparing habitat attributes of trap sites where skinks were and were not captured. The distribution of E. leuraensis was non-random: skinks were found at sites with high values for some variables (soil moisture, live vegetation, surface water, understorey density and numbers of burrows) and low values for others (dead vegetation, logs, rocks, bare ground, canopy cover, sunlight penetration and numbers of invertebrates), and were mostly found in sites that were close to surface water and far from trees and logs. Eulamprus leuraensis is widely distributed within swamps, with weak associations between microhabitat variation and skink presence. Skink abundance and mean body size were highest within swamp centres, decreasing towards the margins; larger skinks were found closer to water, gravid female skinks were found at wetter sites and juveniles occupied marginal habitat. Skinks were rarely recaptured >10 m from their original site, with adult males travelling further than adult females and juveniles. We developed a quick field detection method for managers to assess the likely presence of E. leuraensis using two habitat attributes (soil moisture and burrow abundance). We mapped the species’ known and predicted habitat using GIS spatial layers, including locality records, associated vegetation communities and digital elevation models.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Nicholson, Evelyn, Alan Lill, and Alan Andersen. "Do tropical savanna skink assemblages show a short-term response to low-intensity fire?" Wildlife Research 33, no. 4 (2006): 331. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr05067.

Full text

Abstract:

The composition of skink assemblages at a tropical savanna site in northern Australia was documented immediately before and after low-intensity, experimental fires in the early dry season (June), and compared with the composition in neighbouring unburnt plots. The composition of the assemblage of captured skinks was not significantly affected by fire, and no change in total abundance of skinks was recorded. Arthropods constitute the principal food of the skinks and the composition of the captured arthropod samples on the treatment plots was significantly affected by the fires, with spiders, beetles and hemipterans increasing in numbers during the immediate post-fire period. Seasonal changes in captured skink assemblage composition, unrelated to the fire event, occurred between the wet–dry season transition and the early dry season. These changes were associated with variation in four weather variables and were possibly also related to seasonal reproductive activity. Our study demonstrates a high degree of resilience of savanna skinks to individual fire events; however, the longer-term effect of different fire regimes requires further investigation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

KLOMPEN, HANS, and CHRISTOPHER C. AUSTIN. "A new species of Ophiomegistus Banks (Acari: Paramegistidae) from Papua New Guinea." Zootaxa 1387, no. 1 (January 8, 2007): 47–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1387.1.4.

Full text

Abstract:

A new species of Ophiomegistus, O. spectabilis, is described from New Guinea. This represents the 13th species of this genus from New Guinea skinks. A re-evaluation of host and locality data for the genus shows a host range restricted to squamates, especially skinks, but no obvious specificity for individual skink species. Specificity for small geographical areas seems more likely.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

KLOMPEN, HANS, and CHRISTOPHER C. AUSTIN. "A new species of Ophiomegistus Banks (Acari: Paramegistidae) from Papua New Guinea." Zootaxa 1387, no. 1 (January 8, 2007): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1387.4.

Full text

Abstract:

A new species of Ophiomegistus, O. spectabilis, is described from New Guinea. This represents the 13th species of this genus from New Guinea skinks. A re-evaluation of host and locality data for the genus shows a host range restricted to squamates, especially skinks, but no obvious specificity for individual skink species. Specificity for small geographical areas seems more likely.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Civantos, Emilio, Rosa Arribas, and Jose Martín. "Niche occupancy of two (congeneric) skinks in an islands environment." Amphibia-Reptilia 41, no. 3 (June 30, 2020): 337–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685381-bja10002.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Among the scincid lizards inhabiting the Mediterranean region, the Ocellated skink (Chalcides ocellatus) and the little-known and endangered Chafarinas’ skink (Chalcides parallelus) co-occur in sympatry at the Chafarinas Islands (NW Africa). Although both species are present in the archipelago, C. ocellatus is spread in the three islands, but C. parallelus is present only in one island. What factors influence this distribution, and whether these two species show evidence for syntopy is unknown. In this study, we investigated spatial niche occupancy at the level of microhabitat of both skinks at the Chafarinas Islands. We tested for microhabitat differences between islands and then, we tested the null hypothesis of no differences between microhabitat used by each of these skink species and a set of locations chosen at random from the general habitat. Results showed that the distribution and abundance of available microhabitats were different among islands, thus each island has different spatial niches that may be important in distinguishing the areas occupied by these skinks. Results also revealed that C. ocellatus did not use available microhabitats at random, but preferentially selected particular microhabitats. However, C. parallelus used microhabitats according to their availability, although it showed some aspects of habitat selection similar to C. ocellatus. Our results showed that the inclusion of detailed microhabitat descriptors could be useful for understanding patterns of niche occupancy by these skinks species. Furthermore, to our knowledge this is the first study documenting the spatial niche selection of C. parallelus and provides novel ecological information that may be of major importance to develop management strategies that will help to conserve this endangered species.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Francis, David. "The Ear of the Skink." Iowa Review 32, no. 1 (April 2002): 175. http://dx.doi.org/10.17077/0021-065x.5566.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Knight, K. "Pregnancy compresses skink mums' lungs." Journal of Experimental Biology 218, no. 6 (March 15, 2015): 815. http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.121657.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Ciracì, Andrea, Edoardo Razzetti, Maurizio Pavesi, and Daniele Pellitteri-Rosa. "Preliminary data on the diet of Chalcides chalcides (Squamata: Scincidae) from Northern Italy." Acta Herpetologica 17, no. 1 (April 29, 2022): 71–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.36253/a_h-11386.

Full text

Abstract:

The diet in skinks is known mainly for extra-European species, especially from Australian ones, where these lizards are represented by a great number of species, while, in comparison, data for species from other continents are scarce. The three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides, is found in a restricted part of northern Africa and in Italy, where it is distributed almost uniformly throughout the peninsula and on the major islands. Although it is well studied for aspects such as morphology and ecology, data concerning trophic preferences are scarce, and available only for the populations of south-central Italy. In this note we report preliminary data about the diet of an Apennine population of the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides, at the northern boundary of its distribution area. Faecal contents from 20 individuals were collected in June 2015, obtaining an overall sample of 48 prey items. Araneae constituted the most preyed taxon (over 40%), followed by Hemiptera (35,4%) and other prey taxa (Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Dermaptera) in much lower percentages. We found no differences between smaller/younger and larger/older individuals in consumed preys. As well as confirming the general trophic predilection of this skink for spiders, we also found some interesting differences in preyed items with studied populations of south-central Italy.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Gorissen, Sarsha, Matthew Greenlees, and Richard Shine. "The impact of wildfire on an endangered reptile (Eulamprus leuraensis) in Australian montane swamps." International Journal of Wildland Fire 27, no. 7 (2018): 447. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wf17048.

Full text

Abstract:

Intense fire is a key threatening process for the endangered Blue Mountains water skink, Eulamprus leuraensis. This species is restricted to isolated, densely vegetated and waterlogged peat swamps in montane south-eastern Australia. We surveyed 11 swamps (5 unburnt, 6 burnt) over 2 years, before and after the intense spring bushfires of 2013, to quantify the fires’ impacts on these skinks, other lizards and the habitat upon which they depend. Trapping revealed no direct effect of fire on E. leuraensis populations, with skinks persisting in all burnt swamps. Fire modified ground vegetation, virtually eliminating live plants and the dense understorey. Despite the conflagration, vegetation regrowth was rapid with swamp habitat largely recovering in just over 1 year post-fire. Fire thus had only a transitory effect on lizard habitat and a non-significant impact on E. leuraensis numbers. Nonetheless, broader-scale analyses suggest a different story: skinks were more abundant in swamps that had experienced a longer time since major fire. Although the ability of this endangered reptile to survive even intense wildfires is encouraging, fire during prolonged dry periods or an intensified fire regime might imperil skink populations.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Davenport, John, Jeremy Hills, Anne Glasspool, and Jack Ward. "Threats to the Critically Endangered endemic Bermudian skink Eumeces longirostris." Oryx 35, no. 4 (October 2001): 332–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3008.2001.00200.x.

Full text

Abstract:

AbstractThe Bermudian rock lizard or skink Eumeces longirostris is categorized as Critically Endangered on the 2000 IUCN Red List. Skinks are vulnerable to habitat loss, introduction of non-native species and mortality caused by discarded bottles and cans that act as selfbaiting traps. This study describes the population characteristics of the Bermudian skink on two islands of the Bermudian archipelago: Nonsuch and Southampton islands. Nonsuch Island is a nature reserve but has populations of introduced lizards of the genus Anolis, lizard-eating birds and (a new finding) the cane toad Bufo marinus. Southampton Island is relatively isolated and has no introduced species. The skink population on Nonsuch Island was not investigated in detail, but appears to be small, localized to human habitation (where cover and food scraps are available) and dominated by large, old (some possibly >27 years) animals that exhibit high mutilation rates. Breeding occurs, but survival to adulthood appears poor. All of neighbouring Southampton Island was intensively trapped, with traps placed at the intersections of a 10-m grid. The population was estimated by mark–recapture trials to be c. 400 adults and juveniles; hatchlings are insectivorous and not susceptible to trapping. The population on Southampton Island is currently the largest known on Bermuda and appears to be viable; sustained isolation from predators and people is essential to its maintenance.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Chapple, David G., Kimberly A. Miller, Kirilee Chaplin, Louise Barnett, Michael B. Thompson, and Rebecca D. Bray. "Biology of the invasive delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata) on Lord Howe Island." Australian Journal of Zoology 62, no. 6 (2014): 498. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo14098.

Full text

Abstract:

Lord Howe Island (LHI) is a remote oceanic island in the south-west Pacific that is World Heritage listed due to its diverse, and largely endemic, biota. A suite of introduced species have colonised the island, resulting in the widespread population declines of many native species. The delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata DeVis) was accidentally introduced to LHI from mainland eastern Australia, but there has been no detailed investigation of its biology on the island, or its potential impact on the native biota. We conducted a detailed study of the distribution and biology of the delicate skink on LHI over a six-year period (2007–12). The delicate skink was introduced to LHI in the 1980s, and rapidly spread across the island. It presently occurs in all 21 low-elevation vegetation communities on LHI. The delicate skink is diurnal on LHI, and displays seasonal variation in activity with a peak in November–December. The delicate skink exhibits sexual dimorphism with females having larger body and abdomen sizes and males having longer and broader heads, although the degree of genetic admixture may influence morphology on LHI. Females reproduce in spring and summer (September–February), with a positive relationship between body size and clutch size. Clutch size ranges from 1 to 7 (mean 3.4) and communal egg nests (11–200+ eggs) are common. Tail loss is common on LHI (55%), but is more frequent in adults and females. We conclude that, based on its distribution and abundance, the delicate skink has the potential to impact the diverse and endemic invertebrate fauna on LHI.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

McKinney, Megan A., Christine A. Schlesinger, and Chris R. Pavey. "Foraging behaviour of the endangered Australian skink (Liopholis slateri)." Australian Journal of Zoology 62, no. 6 (2014): 477. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo14071.

Full text

Abstract:

The foraging behaviour of the endangered Australian skink (Liopholis slateri) was investigated through detailed observation of a subpopulation of lizards during seven months of sampling. Slater’s skinks primarily exhibited ambush predation, darting from burrow entrances to distances of up to 4 m with a success rate of ~70%. The direction of darting was often straight ahead and almost always in an 180° arc in front of the burrow entrance. Juveniles foraged more frequently and further from burrows than adults. Ants were the most common prey item taken and juveniles targeted small ants as prey more often than adults and often moved further to capture these prey. The spread of introduced buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in central Australia in recent decades is a possible contributing factor to the decline of L. slateri. A wide field of view appears to be critical for the success of the sit-and-wait foraging strategy employed by the skinks and additional research is required to determine whether further encroachment of buffel grass around burrow systems will impede visibility and directly affect foraging behaviour of these skinks.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Sazima, Ivan, Cristina Sazima, and Marlies Sazima. "Little dragons prefer flowers to maidens: a lizard that laps nectar and pollinates trees." Biota Neotropica 5, no. 1 (2005): 185–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1676-06032005000100018.

Full text

Abstract:

Lizards rarely visit and pollinate flowers, the few recent records being mostly restricted to island habitats. We report here on the Noronha skink (Euprepis atlanticus) seeking nectar in the flowers of the leguminous mulungu tree (Erythrina velutina) at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, off northeast Brazil. The mulungu tree blooms during the dry season, and each flower secretes copious and diluted nectar throughout the day. The Noronha skink climbs up to the inflorescences and laps the nectar accumulated in the flowers' base. While exploiting the flowers and crawling over the inflorescences, the body parts of the skink contact the anthers and stigmas and pollen adheres to the lizard's scales. The lizard visits inflorescences from the same and different trees, which renders it a potential pollinator. As the mulungu tree blooms during the dry season and the island has little or no natural freshwater supply during drought periods, we suggest that the Noronha skink seeks flower nectar both for its energetic, diluted sugars and the water content.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

MELZER, SABINE, TRENT BELL, and GEOFF B. PATTERSON. "Hidden conservation vulnerability within a cryptic species complex: taxonomic revision of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum; Reptilia: Scincidae) from New Zealand." Zootaxa 4300, no. 3 (August 3, 2017): 355. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4300.3.2.

Full text

Abstract:

The diverse skink fauna of New Zealand comprises 40 described species within the single genus Oligosoma Girard, 1857. Cryptic species are common among New Zealand skinks, leaving numerous species undescribed. We used molecular phylogeny together with morphological analyses to distinguish four species in the spotted skink, Oligosoma lineoocellatum (Duméril & Duméril 1851), species complex. These are O. lineoocellatum sensu stricto, which is confined to the centre of the South Island, O. prasinum sp. nov. from the Lake Tekapo region, O. elium sp. nov. from the northern half of the South Island, and O. kokowai sp. nov. from the northern South Island, Cook Strait, and the North Island. Despite significant genetic differences, the morphological similarity of these species made it challenging to resolve their taxonomic identity. Three of the four species previously recognised as a single, widespread taxon are now recognised as threatened with extinction by a combination of invasive predatory mammals and land use change.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Fischer, Joern, David Lindenmayer, and Ann Cowling. "Habitat models for the four-fingered skink (Carlia tetradactyla) at the microhabitat and landscape scale." Wildlife Research 30, no. 5 (2003): 495. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr02096.

Full text

Abstract:

A spatially nested experimental design was used to survey reptiles in a sheep- and cattle-grazing landscape in southern New South Wales, Australia. Sixteen landscape units were chosen on the basis of their aspect, topography and amount of tree cover. Across these landscape units, 288 pitfall traps were established at 144 plots arranged in 48 sites. Each plot was searched for reptiles and pitfall-trapped in two separate survey periods. The four-fingered skink (Carlia tetradactyla) was the most commonly encountered reptile species, and detailed statistical habitat models were constructed for this species. The four-fingered skink responded to both landscape scale and microhabitat variables. The species was more likely to be detected in landscape units characterised by a high amount of tree cover. Adults were most likely to inhabit microhabitats dominated by box- or gum-type eucalypts, with a moderate amount of canopy cover and with a large number of spiders. Juveniles were most likely to inhabit microhabitats with a moderate amount of weed invasion where shrubs were present. Finally, the four-fingered skink was more likely to be found at sites with at least two other co-occurring small reptile species. Body condition and tail loss of adult skinks were not related to the habitat or microhabitat where a given individual was found. The results are discussed in relation to current herpetological research, and some long-term conservation implications are highlighted.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Bush, Elizabeth. "Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 68, no. 3 (2014): 157–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2014.0909.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

HOUGH, I. "Cryptococcosis in an eastern water skink." Australian Veterinary Journal 76, no. 7 (July 1998): 471–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1998.tb10183.x.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Hardy, Ian C. W., and Darrell J. Kemp. "Skink skirmishes: why do owners win?" Trends in Ecology & Evolution 16, no. 4 (April 2001): 174. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0169-5347(01)02119-x.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Khan, M. Monirul H. "First report of Reeve’s Ground Skink Scincella reevesi and Himalayan Litter Skink Sphenomorphus indicus from Bangladesh." Zoos' Print Journal 22, no. 1 (December 21, 2006): 2545. http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/jott.zpj.1581.2545.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

O’Neill, Shay B., David G. Chapple, Charles H. Daugherty, and Peter A. Ritchie. "Phylogeography of two New Zealand lizards: McCann’s skink (Oligosoma maccanni) and the brown skink (O. zelandicum)." Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 48, no. 3 (September 2008): 1168–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2008.05.008.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Riley, Julia L., Daniel W. A. Noble, Richard W. Byrne, and Martin J. Whiting. "Early social environment influences the behaviour of a family-living lizard." Royal Society Open Science 4, no. 5 (May 2017): 161082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.161082.

Full text

Abstract:

Early social environment can play a significant role in shaping behavioural development. For instance, in many social mammals and birds, isolation rearing results in individuals that are less exploratory, shyer, less social and more aggressive than individuals raised in groups. Moreover, dynamic aspects of social environments, such as the nature of relationships between individuals, can also impact the trajectory of development. We tested if being raised alone or socially affects behavioural development in the family-living tree skink, Egernia striolata . Juveniles were raised in two treatments: alone or in a pair. We assayed exploration, boldness, sociability and aggression repeatedly throughout each juvenile's first year of life, and also assessed social interactions between pairs to determine if juveniles formed dominant–subordinate relationships. We found that male and/or the larger skinks within social pairs were dominant. Developing within this social environment reduced skink growth, and subordinate skinks were more prone to tail loss. Thus, living with a conspecific was costly for E. striolata . The predicted negative effects of isolation failed to materialize. Nevertheless, there were significant differences in behavioural traits depending on the social environment (isolated, dominant or subordinate member of a pair). Isolated skinks were more social than subordinate skinks. Subordinate skinks also became more aggressive over time, whereas isolated and dominant skinks showed invariable aggression. Dominant skinks became bolder over time, whereas isolated and subordinate skinks were relatively stable in their boldness. In summary, our study is evidence that isolation rearing does not consistently affect behaviour across all social taxa. Our study also demonstrates that the social environment plays an important role in behavioural development of a family-living lizard.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Bauer, Aaron M., and Kathleen D. De Vaney. "Comparative Aspects of Diet and Habitat in some New Caledonian Lizards." Amphibia-Reptilia 8, no. 4 (1987): 349–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853887x00126.

Full text

Abstract:

AbstractNo comparative ecological studies have previously been conducted on the lizards of New Caledonia. This study examines two parameters of resource partitioning-diet and microhabitat, for eleven species of native lizards (Gekkonidae and Scincidae). Differences in diel activity patterns and coarse habitat differences tend to segregate geckos from skinks. Microhabitat and dietary differences were found among four sympatric species in a forest assemblage at Mt. Koyaboa, but retreat sites and some food resources were employed by all. Rock piles and crevices are important retreats for all the forest species studied and are a crude predictor of lizard abundance. Crickets and terrestrial isopods are the most important items in the diet of the predominant gecko Bavayia sauvagii. Though generally considered arboreal, this lizard is frequently active on the ground as well. Ants are an important food source of the forest skink Leiolopisma tricolor, whereas the ubiquitous ground skink Leiolopisma austrocaledonicum eats a wide variety of prey, with smaller individuals selectively taking smaller prey. Larger individuals consume feew large prey items but these may be of great energetic importance.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

CHAPPLE, DAVID G., TRENT P. BELL, STEPHANIE N. J. CHAPPLE, KIMBERLY A. MILLER, CHARLES H. DAUGHERTY, and GEOFF B. PATTERSON. "Phylogeography and taxonomic revision of the New Zealand cryptic skink (Oligosoma inconspicuum; Reptilia: Scincidae) species complex." Zootaxa 2782, no. 1 (March 3, 2011): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2782.1.1.

Full text

Abstract:

The New Zealand skink fauna is highly diverse and contains numerous cryptic, undescribed or hitherto undiscovered species. We completed a taxonomic revision of the cryptic skink (Oligosoma inconspicuum) species complex using molecular (550 bp of the ND2 mitochondrial gene) and morphological analyses. Four new species are described, with each diagnosable by a range of morphological characters and genetic differentiation from several closely related species: O. inconspicuum (sensu stricto), O. notosaurus, O. maccanni, O. stenotis and O. grande. Oligosoma tekakahu sp. nov. is restricted to Chalky Island in Fiordland, and is most closely related to O. inconspicuum and O. notosaurus. The other three new species are restricted to particular mountainous regions in central and western Otago (O. burganae sp. nov., Lammermoor and Rock and Pillar Ranges; O. toka sp. nov., Nevis Valley; O. repens sp. nov., Eyre Mountains) and are most closely related to O. stenotis and O. grande. We also re-described O. inconspicuum. Two proposed new taxa, the ‘Big Bay’ skink and ‘Mahogany’ skink, were found to represent Westland/Fiordland populations of O. inconspicuum rather than distinct taxa. We discuss the evolutionary and phylogeographic implications of cryptic and ‘anti-cryptic’ species within the O. inconspicuum species complex, and suggest that morphologically aberrant populations are the result of local adaptation to novel selective regimes.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Andrew, Paul, Hal Cogger, Don Driscoll, Samantha Flakus, Peter Harlow, Dion Maple, Mike Misso, et al. "Somewhat saved: a captive breeding programme for two endemic Christmas Island lizard species, now extinct in the wild." Oryx 52, no. 1 (November 30, 2016): 171–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605316001071.

Full text

Abstract:

AbstractAs with many islands, Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean has suffered severe biodiversity loss. Its terrestrial lizard fauna comprised five native species, of which four were endemic. These were abundant until at least the late 1970s, but four species declined rapidly thereafter and were last reported in the wild between 2009 and 2013. In response to the decline, a captive breeding programme was established in August 2009. This attempt came too late for the Christmas Island forest skink Emoia nativitatis, whose last known individual died in captivity in 2014, and for the non-endemic coastal skink Emoia atrocostata. However, two captive populations are now established for Lister's gecko Lepidodactylus listeri and the blue-tailed skink Cryptoblepharus egeriae. The conservation future for these two species is challenging: reintroduction will not be possible until the main threats are identified and controlled.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Staudt, Konrad, Wolfgang Böhme, and Werner Baumgartner. "Comparative Investigations of the Sandfishs β-Keratin (Reptilia: Scincidae: Scincus scincus). Part 2: Glycan-Based Friction Reduction." Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering 16 (December 2012): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/jbbte.16.1.

Full text

Abstract:

The sandfish (Scincidae: Scincus scincus) is a lizard having outstanding skin properties. The scales show low friction behaviour and high abrasion resistance. After giving molecular support by DNA and protein analysis in Part 1 for increased glycosylation of the skins β-keratins, in this study the effect of glycans for friction reduction was investigated by (1) ammonium-based keratinolysis of skin exuviae and applying a β-keratin film on a glass surface and by (2) β-elimination based deglycosylation of β-keratins and immobilization of liberated glycans on a glass surface via silanisation. Both techniques resemble the natural model in the species investigated, the sandfish Scincus scincus and the Berber skink Eumeces schneideri. In the sandfish, a decreased friction coefficient was found by friction angle measurements, and a low adhesion force was measured by investigation with atomic force microscopy (AFM). These characteristics are possibly based by prevention of the formation of van der Waals bonds. This low adhesion force correlates with low friction and has a positive impact on abrasion resistance. A monosaccharide analysis confirmed the presence of carbohydrates.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Hocknull, Scott A. "Remains of an Eocene skink from Queensland." Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology 24, no. 1 (January 2000): 63–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115510008619524.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Patawang, Isara, Alongklod Tanomtong, Sarun Jumrusthanasan, Hathaipat Khongcharoensuk, Sarawut Kaewsri, and Krit Pinthong. "Cytogenetic of Skink (Reptilia, Scincidae) from Thailand: II: Chromosome Analyses of Stripe Tree Skink (Lipinia vittigera)." CYTOLOGIA 82, no. 1 (2017): 83–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1508/cytologia.82.83.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Sumner, Joanna, Craig Moritz, and Richard Shine. "Shrinking forest shrinks skink: morphological change in response to rainforest fragmentation in the prickly forest skink (Gnypetoscincus queenslandiae)." Biological Conservation 91, no. 2-3 (December 1999): 159–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3207(99)00089-0.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

WHITAKER, TONY, DAVID G. CHAPPLE, RODNEY A. HITCHMOUGH, MARIEKE LETTINK, and GEOFF B. PATTERSON. "A new species of scincid lizard in the genus Oligosoma (Reptilia: Scincidae) from the mid-Canterbury high country, New Zealand." Zootaxa 4377, no. 2 (January 31, 2018): 269. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4377.2.7.

Full text

Abstract:

New Zealand has a diverse, endemic skink fauna, which is recognised as the most species rich skink assemblage of any cool temperate region on earth. All native New Zealand skink species are assigned to a single genus, Oligosoma Girard. A new species of Oligosoma is described from screes in montane tussock grassland in the mid-Canterbury high country, New Zealand, where it is currently known from four sites on two mountain ranges. The new species (Oligosoma hoparatea sp. nov.) can be distinguished from all congeners by a combination of mid-body scale row and lamellae counts, scale morphologies, and a bold striped pattern with smooth-edged, dark lateral bands. It is part of the O. longipes Patterson species complex, and occurs in sympatry with its closest relative, O. aff. longipes ‘southern’. The species is currently highly threatened, and is listed as Nationally Critical in New Zealand. Predation by a suite of introduced mammals is assumed to be a major threat to its survival.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Mandić, Krešimir, Frano Barišić, and Olga Jovanović Glavaš. "Valorization of the newly discovered European snake-eyed skink population (Ablepharus kitaibelii) on Stinice, Papuk Mountain in Croatia." Natura Croatica 31, no. 2 (December 30, 2022): 207–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.20302/nc.2022.31.14.

Full text

Abstract:

The European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii) is an endangered lizard species in Croatia, limited to a very small area in Papuk Nature Park, and several localities in the town of Ilok and the surrounding area. On Mt Papuk, the species is limited to an area of the warm southern slopes of the Turjak-Mališćak-Pliš peaks, above Velika. In the year 2019, the species was documented in a new location, on Stinice. The aim of this study is to analyse morphometric measures, relative density, predatory pressure, and to determine the sustainability of this population. Data obtained were compared with the previous research into the European snake-eyed skink on Turjak, the most researched European snake-eyed skink site on Papuk so far. The population on Stinice has lower density, and is under higher predatory pressure than the population on Turjak. Also, there are differences in some morphometric measures between these two populations that should be further explored.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Duffield, GA, and MC Bull. "Characteristics of the litter of the gidgee skink, Egernia stokesii." Wildlife Research 23, no. 3 (1996): 337. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9960337.

Full text

Abstract:

The viviparous birth of Egernia stokesii, an Australian skink, is described. Data from 29 litters over three years from a population near Hawker, South Australia, are presented. Females produced an average 5.07 young per litter in February or March. Litters were produced over an average 2.8 days. Newborn juveniles weighed an average 8.15 g and had an average snout-vent length of 6.73 cm. Juveniles in larger litters were smaller, when the effect of the size of the mother was taken into account. The average relative clutch mass was 16.5% when the weight of the litter was taken as a proportion of mass of gravid female, or 20.1% considering mass of post-partum female. The data are discussed in the context of life-history patterns of Australian skinks.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

HEDGES, S. BLAIR, and CAITLIN E. CONN. "A new skink fauna from Caribbean islands (Squamata, Mabuyidae, Mabuyinae)." Zootaxa 3288, no. 1 (April 30, 2012): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3288.1.1.

Full text

Abstract:

Neotropical skinks are unique among lizards and other vertebrates in their degree of convergence, in reproductive traits,with eutherian mammals. They have also been famously difficult to classify into species, largely because of a conservativebody plan and paucity of conventional diagnostic characters. Currently there are 26 recognized species, six of which occuronly on Caribbean islands. All are placed in a single genus, Mabuya. We conducted a systematic revision of Neotropicalskinks using both conventional and unconventional morphological characters, supplemented by DNA sequence analyses.We define 61 species grouped into 16 clades, recognized here as genera. They include three available generic names(Copeoglossum, Mabuya, and Spondylurus) and 13 new genera: Alinea gen. nov., Aspronema gen. nov., Brasiliscincusgen. nov., Capitellum gen. nov., Exila gen. nov., Manciola gen. nov., Maracaiba gen. nov., Marisora gen. nov., Noto-mabuya gen. nov., Orosaura gen. nov., Panopa gen. nov., Psychosaura gen. nov., and Varzea gen. nov. These 16 generaof skinks form a monophyletic group and are placed in the Subfamily Mabuyinae of the skink Family Mabuyidae. Sixother skink families are recognized: Acontidae, Egerniidae, Eugongylidae, Lygosomidae, Scincidae, and Sphenomorphi-dae. We describe three new subfamilies of Mabuyidae: Chioniniinae subfam. nov., Dasiinae subfam. nov., and Trachyl-epidinae subfam. nov. We describe 24 new species of mabuyines: Capitellum mariagalantae sp. nov., Capitellumparvicruzae sp. nov., Copeoglossum aurae sp. nov., Copeoglossum margaritae sp. nov., Copeoglossum redondae sp.nov., Mabuya cochonae sp. nov., Mabuya desiradae sp. nov., Mabuya grandisterrae sp. nov., Mabuya guadeloupae sp.nov., Mabuya hispaniolae sp. nov., Mabuya montserratae sp. nov., Marisora aurulae sp. nov., Marisora magnacornaesp. nov., Marisora roatanae sp. nov., Spondylurus anegadae sp. nov., Spondylurus culebrae sp. nov., Spondylurus caico-sae sp. nov., Spondylurus haitiae sp. nov., Spondylurus magnacruzae sp. nov., Spondylurus martinae sp. nov., Spondy-lurus monae sp. nov., Spondylurus monitae sp. nov., Spondylurus powelli sp. nov., and Spondylurus turksae sp. nov. Wealso resurrect 10 species from synonymies: Alinea lanceolata comb. nov., Alinea luciae comb. nov., Capitellum metalli-cum comb. nov., Mabuya dominicana, Marisora alliacea comb. nov., Marisora brachypoda comb. nov., Spondylurusfulgidus comb. nov., Spondylurus nitidus comb. nov., Spondylurus semitaeniatus comb. nov., and Spondylurus spilonotuscomb. nov. Of the 61 total species of mabuyine skinks, 39 occur on Caribbean islands, 38 are endemic to those islands,and 33 of those occur in the West Indies. Most species on Caribbean islands are allopatric, single-island endemics, al-though three species are known from Hispaniola, three from St. Thomas, and two from Culebra, St. Croix, Salt Island,Martinique, the southern Lesser Antilles, Trinidad, and Tobago. Co-occurring species typically differ in body size and be-long to different genera. Three ecomorphs are described to account for associations of ecology and morphology: terrestri-al, scansorial, and cryptozoic. Parturition occurs at the transition between the dry and wet seasons, and the number ofyoung (1–7) is correlated with body size and taxonomic group. Molecular phylogenies indicate the presence of many un-named species in Middle and South America. A molecular timetree shows that mabuyines dispersed from Africa to SouthAmerica 18 (25–9) million years ago, and that diversification occurred initially in South America but soon led to coloni-zation of Caribbean islands and Middle America. The six genera present on Caribbean islands each represent separate dis-persals, over water, from the mainland during the last 10 million years. Considerable dispersal and speciation alsooccurred on and among Caribbean islands, probably enhanced by Pleistocene glacial cycles and their concomitant sea lev-el changes. Based on IUCN Redlist criteria, all of the 38 endemic Caribbean island species are threatened with extinction.Twenty-seven species (71%) are Critically Endangered, six species (16%) are Endangered, and five species (13%) are Vul-nerable. Sixteen of the Critically Endangered species are extinct, or possibly extinct, because of human activities duringthe last two centuries. Several of the surviving species are near extinction and in need of immediate protection. Analysisof collection records indicates that the decline or loss of 14 skink species can be attributed to predation by the Small IndianMongoose. That invasive predator was introduced as a biological control of rats in sugar cane fields in the late nineteenthcentury (1872–1900), immediately resulting in a mass extinction of skinks and other reptiles. The ground-dwelling and diurnal habits of skinks have made them particularly susceptible to mongoose predation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Lancaster, Peter, Tim S. Jessop, and Devi Stuart-Fox. "Testing the independent effects of population and shelter density on behavioural and corticosterone responses of tree skinks." Australian Journal of Zoology 58, no. 5 (2010): 295. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo10056.

Full text

Abstract:

In animals, social organisation and behaviour can respond to variation in key ecological factors including population and resource density. As these two factors covary, their relative importance is difficult to estimate using field studies. Consequently, we conducted two manipulative experiments varying levels of either population or shelter density to separate their effects on solitary, affiliative and agonistic behaviour and physiology in the social tree skink, Egernia striolata. We used focal observations and plasma concentrations of the hormone corticosterone to measure behavioural and physiological responses to these manipulations. Aggressive behaviours occurred more frequently at high skink density, with males at high density exhibiting social stress, as indicated by increased levels of corticosterone. Skinks at low densities showed greater affiliative behaviour, spending more time basking as pairs. Changes in shelter density influenced exploratory behaviours, with males at low shelter densities exploring enclosures more than those at high shelter densities. Skinks sheltered as pairs more frequently at low shelter density, even after taking into account differences in frequency of pair sheltering expected by chance alone, suggesting that low shelter availability promotes pair behaviour. Corticosterone levels increased over time at low shelter density, which may have been a result of thermal stress coupled with a lack of microclimate variation in comparison to high shelter density. These results suggest that population and resource density are key factors that can independently influence social behaviour and endocrinology, and consequently social organisation, in different ways.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Vergilov, Vladislav, and Nikolay Natchev. "Notes on the hatching phases and the size of the juveniles in the Snake-eyed skink Ablepharus kitaibelii (Bibron & Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1833)." Acta Scientifica Naturalis 5, no. 1 (March 1, 2018): 69–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/asn-2018-0010.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Most of the studies dealing with the Snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii) treat predominantly aspects of the distribution and taxonomy of the species. In the present study we provide information concerning the mechanism of hatching in the Snake-eyed skink and the dimensions of the hatched specimens. We collected data from wild animals, as well as from indoor incubated juveniles. The present study provides the first data concerning the weight of the newly hatched juveniles of the species and discuss on potential misleading data concerning the size of the juveniles in A. kitaibelii.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

GANESH, S. R., ACHYUTHAN N. SRIKANTHAN, AVRAJJAL GHOSH, OMKAR DILIP ADHIKARI, SHREE VARSHA VIJAY KUMAR, and ANIRUDDHA DATTA-ROY. "A new species of Asian gracile skink (Scincidae: Lygosominae: Subdoluseps) from the rain-shadow belts of Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats, India." Zootaxa 4950, no. 2 (March 30, 2021): 361–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4950.2.7.

Full text

Abstract:

We describe a new species of Asian gracile skink from the dry leeward slopes of the Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu state, India which forms a part of the eastern, rain shadow escarpment of the Western Ghats in peninsular India. The new species, Subdoluseps nilgiriensis sp. nov., is characterized by: slender, small-sized body (47–67 mm); sandy brown above, with each scale tipped with black; a thick black lateral band from snout to tail; a distinct white labial streak; dirty white venter, with throat having mild black striations; 28–29 midbody scale rows; 71–74 mid ventral scales; 66–69 paravertebral scales. The new species is described based on external morphological characters, genetic data and geographical isolation. Based on two mitochondrial DNA genes, we show that the new species shares a sister relationship with Subdoluseps pruthi (Sharma, 1977) which is found in parts of the Eastern Ghats in peninsular India. The discovery of this new population raises two novel scenarios. Firstly, it renders the genus Subdoluseps evolutionarily polyphyletic with respect to the Indian species included in this genus. Secondly, it falsifies the notion that S. pruthi group skinks are restricted to the Eastern Ghats. Our results further indicate that the dry zone of peninsular India has unrealized skink diversity that needs to be further explored.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Mirza, Zeeshan A., Andrey M. Bragin, Harshal Bhosale, Gaurang G. Gowande, Harshil Patel, and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. "A new ancient lineage of ablepharine skinks (Sauria: Scincidae) from eastern Himalayas with notes on origin and systematics of the group." PeerJ 10 (January 18, 2022): e12800. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12800.

Full text

Abstract:

The Himalayas represent a renowned biodiversity hotspot and an important biogeographic realm that has influenced origin and diversification of multiple taxa. A recent herpetological investigation of the eastern Himalayas of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh led to the discovery of a unique lineage of ablepharine skink, which is herein described as a new genus along with a new species. The findings are based an integrated taxonomic approach incorporating data from external morphology, microCT scans of the skull and molecular data. The molecular phylogeny of ablepharine skinks is also presented that suggests taxonomic amendments. Discovery of this unique lineage of skinks further highlights the biogeographic importance of the eastern Himalayas as a source for origin of several relic biota.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

JEWELL, TONY R. "New Zealand forest-dwelling skinks of the Oligosoma oliveri (McCann) species-complex (Reptilia: Scincidae): reinstatement of O. pachysomaticum (Robb) and an assessment of historical distribution ranges." Zootaxa 4688, no. 3 (October 23, 2019): 389–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4688.3.5.

Full text

Abstract:

The forest-dwelling skinks of the Oligosoma oliveri (‘marbled skink’) species-complex, from the North Island of New Zealand, have proven difficult taxonomically because all mainland populations are extinct, obscuring patterns of distribution and population interaction. Twenty-four small insular populations have survived off the north-east coast of the North Island, which are at present classified into three species. In this paper I re-assess the available phenotypic, ecological, biogeographic and phylogenetic evidence associated with these skinks. As a result, O. pachysomaticum (Robb) is raised from synonymy with O. oliveri (McCann) and more precise historical distribution limits are inferred for each member of the group. Implications for the conservation management of each species are also discussed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Ljubisavljević, Katarina, Ljiljana Tomović, Aleksandar Simović, Imre Krizmanić, Rastko Ajtić, Danko Jović, Aleksandar Urošević, et al. "FILLING IN THE GAPS IN DISTRIBUTION DATA OF THE SNAKE-EYED SKINK ABLEPHARUS KITAIBELII BIBRON AND BORY, 1833 (SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE) IN SERBIA." Ecologica Montenegrina 2, no. 3 (May 8, 2015): 247–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.37828/em.2015.2.29.

Full text

Abstract:

The distribution of Ablepharus kitaibelii (Snake-eyed skink) in Serbia was reviewed, based on the collection of 183 records comprised of the authors’ unpublished data, observations of colleague researchers and of literature data. Roughly 68% of these records have not been published previously. Apparent distribution gaps in western and southern parts of the country were largely filled in by new findings. The absence of the Snake-eyed skink in the northern parts of our country is most likely caused by large-scale alteration and destruction of suitable habitats. Presented data provide the basis for further research and conservation assessments of this species.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Daniels, CB. "Aspects of the Aquatic Feeding Ecology of the Riparian Skink Sphenomorphus-Quoyii." Australian Journal of Zoology 35, no. 3 (1987): 253. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9870253.

Full text

Abstract:

The riparian skink Sphenomorphus quoyii can catch aquatic prey. Aquatic animals represent 26.4% of prey items, and occur in 18% of stomachs. This frequency is much higher than previously recorded for S. quoyii but is similar to that of other small riparian lizards. In laboratory experiments, S. quoyii captured aquatic prey items as they rose to the surface of water-filled containers. The skinks did not forage under water. Damselfly larvae, water beetles and tadpoles, that often swam slowly and near the surface, were easily captured. Snails that remained on the bottom, and mosquito-fish that were too fast, were not often eaten. There was no apparent size selection for either small or large tadpoles.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Andrade, Julia B., Ryshonda P. Lewis, and Phil Senter. "Appendicular skeletons of five Asian skink species of the genera Brachymeles and Ophiomorus, including species with vestigial appendicular structures." Amphibia-Reptilia 37, no. 4 (2016): 337–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685381-00003062.

Full text

Abstract:

Vestigial biological structures provide an important line of evidence for macroevolution. They abound in the appendicular skeletons of limbless and reduced-limbed members of the skink subfamily Scincinae, which includes a predominantly Asian clade and a predominantly African clade. Reduced appendicular skeletons in the predominantly African clade have received much recent attention, but for most species in the predominantly Asian clade the appendicular skeleton has yet to be described. Here we provide descriptions of the appendicular skeletons of the reduced-limbed skinks Brachymeles bonitae and Ophiomorus blandfordi, the externally limbless skink Ophiomorus punctatissimus, and, for comparison, the pentadactyl skinks Brachymeles gracilis and B. talinis. We used x-ray radiographs to examine the skeletons of these species and to note similarities and differences in the previously-described appendicular skeletal morphology of related species. We found that in B. bonitae the pectoral and pelvic girdles are unreduced, the proximal limb elements are reduced, and the distal limb elements are vestigial. In O. punctatissimus vestigial pectoral and pelvic girdles are present. In O. blanfordi the fifth metatarsal is vestigial. The phylogenetic distribution of morphological features related to appendicular reduction shows that multiple, parallel reduction events have taken place within each of these two genera. In addition, the anatomical distribution of element reduction and loss in these genera shows that the bones are reduced and lost in the same sequence in the predominantly Asian scincine clade as they are in other squamate clades. This suggests a common evolutionary mechanism for appendicular reduction and loss across the Squamata.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Wagner, Philipp, Donald G. Broadley, and Aaron M. Bauer. "A New Acontine Skink from Zambia (Scincidae:AcontiasCuvier, 1817)." Journal of Herpetology 46, no. 4 (December 2012): 494–502. http://dx.doi.org/10.1670/11-055.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Ingram, G. "Does the skink, Mabuya multifasciata, occur in Australia." Northern Territory Naturalist 10 (1987): 11–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/p.295600.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Journal articles on the topic 'Skink'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles